What support is available to help my child transition to life after school?

A major component of secondary transition planning is that the sequential transition activities and services are person-centered and drive the Individual Education Program (IEP). For students to successfully exit high school prepared for college, career, and community, early planning is crucial. In Maryland, transition planning and the delivery of transition services begins during the IEP year in which the student turns 14 years of age.

Transition services must be provided to assist the student in the attainment of skills necessary to reach his or her postsecondary goals. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines transition services as a coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that are:

Designed to be within a results-oriented process, focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of an individual with a disability to facilitate their movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education; vocational education; integrated employment; continuing and adult education; adult services; independent living or community participation;

Based on the individual's needs, considering their strengths, preferences and interests; and

Designed to include instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.